The absence of suspended stars Steve Smith and David Warner was glaring as Australia slumped to a dismal collapse of 10-60 in the first Test in Dubai.

Aaron Finch scored 62 on debut but Head lasted just nine balls and Labuschagne two while batting at No.5 and No.6 respectively.

Pakistan declared their second innings at 6-181 shortly after lunch on day four, setting the tourists a mammoth target of 462 runs.

Day wrap: Horror batting collapse for Australia

But Head bounced back on day four with a gritty 34no to give the Australians a sniff of a draw, while Labuschagne is yet to bat.

"It's tough because we've lost our two best batsmen, haven't we?," Waugh said on Fox Cricket.

"And three counting (Cameron) Bancroft, so there's only a certain pool of players that are good enough to play Test cricket.

"It's not the time to panic. I don't think there's many players there that would make a big difference."

The surprise omission of Matthew Renshaw, lacking match fitness after multiple injuries, appeared to be justified when Finch and Usman Khawaja combined for a 142-run opening stand in the first innings and 87 in the second.